Griffins Grind Out Playoff Win Against Yorba Linda Behind Ibarra’s Heroics, Score 35-28 (2025)

Long Beach – Veterans Stadium

Los Alamitos overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat Yorba Linda 35–28 on Friday night at Veterans Stadium, advancing to the CIF-SS Division 2 quarterfinals. The Griffins showed championship-level resilience, fueled by a remarkable all-around performance from senior Lenny Ibarra, who scored twice in the second half and sealed the win with an interception in the end zone with nine seconds remaining.

Los Alamitos (9–2) trailed 28–14 at halftime after Yorba Linda executed nearly flawlessly through two quarters. Quarterback Noah Trujillo completed all 12 of his first-half passes, including two touchdowns, while the Mustangs added a pair of rushing scores to build a commanding lead. The Griffins stayed within striking distance thanks to a 75-yard touchdown connection between Colin Creason and Beckham Hofland, followed by a defensive scoop-and-score from Gavin Vera after a forced fumble by Logan Moore.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to Los Alamitos. Ibarra ignited the comeback in the third quarter with a leaping 24-yard touchdown grab from Creason, trimming the deficit to 28–21. Early in the fourth, Ibarra scored again on a 20-yard run from the Wildcat formation to make it 28–27 after a missed PAT.

With just over a minute left, Los Alamitos completed the comeback in dramatic fashion. Facing third-and-11 deep in their own territory, Kamden Tillis hauled in a 35-yard pass from Creason along the sideline, setting up the go-ahead score. Tillis finished the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run, then Ibarra caught a trick-play two-point conversion to give Los Al its first lead at 35–28. Moments later, Ibarra sealed the game with an interception in the end zone, his third of the season.

Creason was outstanding, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Tillis added 95 rushing yards and a score, while Hofland led all receivers with 95 yards and a touchdown. The Griffins defense, led by Jackson Renger and Kane Marasco, clamped down in the second half to keep Yorba Linda scoreless.

With the victory, Los Alamitos advances to face San Juan Hills in next week’s CIF-SS Division 2 quarterfinals.